Shakshuka is a vibrant and flavorful dish originating from North Africa and the Middle East, featuring poached eggs nestled in a spicy tomato sauce. Often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, this dish is perfect for any meal of the day and pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping. This guide’ll explore how to make this delicious shakshuka, complete with ingredients, cooking instructions, tips, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For the Shakshuka:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste (or adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- 3 to 6 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Crusty bread or pita, for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices:
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the harissa paste. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. If using spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Poach the Eggs:
- Using a spoon, create small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5–8 minutes, depending on how runny you like your egg yolks.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs before serving.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or pita for dipping.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s an approximate breakdown of nutritional information per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 186 mg |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
Tips and Notes
- Customize Your Spices: Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of harissa or cayenne pepper.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the tomato sauce a day in advance; just reheat it before adding the eggs.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Shakshuka is not only delicious but also a visually stunning dish that will impress anyone at your table. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. For more mouth-watering recipes like this one, be sure to purchase our eBook filled with delicious dishes! Also, don’t miss out on pre-ordering our new cookbook “Deliciously Fit,” which focuses on weight loss and healthy meal options without sacrificing flavor! Transform your cooking experience today!
